Hassan Sobir, a long-serving public servant and recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, passed away on 28 July 2025 while receiving treatment for cancer at Tree Top Hospital.

Sobir dedicated over five decades to public service, playing a major role in shaping the modern Maldives. He began his career in 1973 as a Statistical Survey Officer and led the 1985 national census—the first in the Maldives to use computer technology.

He later served as Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, where he launched a campaign to plant one million coconut trees and introduced leasing uninhabited islands for farming. As Minister of Tourism, Sobir guided the sector through key growth years and helped promote the country globally through the “Sunny Side of Life” branding. He is one of the longest-serving ministers in that role.

From 2000 to 2005, he also served as the MP for North Ari Atoll and played an important part in the recovery efforts following the 2004 tsunami.

Sobir held several key diplomatic positions, including Ambassador to Japan, the UK, Belgium and the EU, and was the first Resident High Commissioner to Singapore. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Maldives' Ambassador to Japan.

He was recently honoured with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin during the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations. His daughter, Aishath Raniya Sobir, accepted the honour on his behalf.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed deep sorrow over his passing, calling Sobir’s death a great loss to the nation and praising his contributions to fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and foreign affairs.

Sobir held a Diploma in Statistics from the US, a Bachelor's in Commerce from India, and an MBA from the University of South Wales in Australia.

He continued serving the country until his final days. Hassan Sobir is remembered for his lasting contributions and his lifelong commitment to the Maldives and its people.